KANSAS CITY, MO – The 13th-seeded La Salle Explorers roared out to an 18-point halftime lead before hanging on in the final seconds to upset the fourth seeded Kansas State Wildcats 63-61 at the Sprint Center on Friday afternoon. The Explorers shot just 3 for 18 after halftime, but tough defense on Kansas State’s final two possessions will keep their tournament dreams alive for another couple of days.
Kansas State outscored La Salle 35-19 in the second half, thanks to 17 points and 12 rebounds from senior Jordan Henriquez, but couldn’t tie it up with two possessions in the final seconds. La Salle’s Jerrell Wright was just one shot away from a perfect afternoon, shooting six for six from the floor and nine of 10 from the line for 21 points on the day. They’ll advance to face another upset winner, 12th-seeded Ole Miss on Sunday in a now wide-open West Region.
Kevin Calabro and Will Perdue called the action on Westwood One Sports.
(La Salle takes a 21-9 lead)
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(La Salle leads by 18 off Rohan Brown layup)
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(Kansas State opens second half with a three)
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(Shane Southwell brings Kansas State within seven)
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(Wildcats finally take the lead and the crowd goes nuts)
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(Final Call as La Salle withstands Wildcats’ last possession)
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(Postgame interview with La Salle’s Ramon Galloway)
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